The holidays are upon us, and while the vast majority of employees want nothing more than a little R&R, even more want their companies to play Santa in their communities, according to a Randstad US survey of 1,232 U.S. adults.
Nearly 75 percent of respondents say it's important to them that their companies participate in holiday philanthropic initiatives such as a food drive or other charitable donation. They also want the goodwill spread internally, with 53 percent wanting "holiday spirit in the workplace," and 40 percent wanting "happier/more generous co-workers." Much lower on their wish lists were cookie swaps (11 percent) and gift exchanges (9 percent).
"The data suggests what workers value most about the holidays in the workplace is largely about relationships, and that opportunities to connect with colleagues and their communities are more meaningful and therefore more appreciated than structured celebrations," the survey's authors write.
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As for holiday office parties, 90 percent of employees say they would prefer to get a bonus or get extra vacation days than have a holiday party. Moreover, 62 percent of respondents agree they feel obligated to attend their employer's holiday party, but younger employees feel more pressure to attend than older ones do (75 percent of 18-24-year-olds and 69 percent of 25-34-year-olds compared with 51 percent of 65+ year-olds).
One positive note about holiday parties: 77 percent say their company is sensitive to diversity and inclusion and considers different religious beliefs and cultures when planning holiday celebrations. As for gift-giving in the workplace, 28 percent of respondents say they feel obligated to buy their boss a holiday gift, while just 61 percent say they do not give their colleagues holiday gifts.
A majority (61 percent) of employees plan to take vacation during the holiday season, but 52 percent say their company gives no additional time off around the holidays. Twenty-eight percent admit to using paid sick days instead of their vacation time at the end of the year.
Time off during the holidays may be coveted, but work is still on their minds. A majority, (63 percent) of workers say they still check e-mail when on vacation and 31 percent say they check in with the office because they feel it makes them appear more diligent. Nearly a third admit to job searching or exploring during the holidays since it's usually less hectic this time of year.
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Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
